12 Must Try Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina

7. Biscuit Head

Highlight: Self serve jam bar with a dozen plus flavors

Why It’s Great: It’s cheap, allergy friendly, and the jam bar is awesome!

You cannot leave the South without trying a cathead biscuit. These gigantic biscuits, “as big as a cat’s head,” are the best breakfast treat in town. While you will pay for it with a lengthy wait (a line often wraps around the building just after opening), Biscuit Head is Asheville’s most iconic restaurant. The wait is worth it for one awesome biscuit. Order your biscuit with a gravy flight of your choosing, or pick and choose amongst flavorful jams (plus various honey and butter flavors) from the self service bar.

No matter how you like your biscuit (topped with honey, jam, butter, or gravy), you will likely come back for more before your vacation is over. The Half Breakfast deal which includes 2 eggs, a side, and a biscuit is definitely the best way to go here. This is my go-to pick. And, for all those seeking vegan and gluten-free fare, no need to fret as there is still a biscuit for you (it is GF & vegan!) and even a delicious dairy-free gravy!

• Location: 733 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

8. Tupelo Honey

Highlight: Best southern style fare in town

Why It’s Great: Affordable Lunch combos and great Happy Hour deals.

Since opening in Asheville back in 2000, Tupelo has become one of the trendiest regional chains in the Southeast. Highlights at this Southern style eatery include scratch made Southern biscuits, and other southern staples like Sweet Potato Pancakes, Shrimp and Grits, and Low Country Catfish.

First off, you will be brought out a plate of piping hot biscuits, served alongside jam and honey (note – small charge now applies). These really are the best part of the meal and really what brings many back time and time again. Brunch is the best meal here, and fortunately, served all day so you will never miss out! The Old Skool Breakfast Bowl which includes eggs, black eyed peas, cheddar cheese, potatoes, salsa, and cheese grits is definitely the way go go. And don’t feel bad treating yourself to a stack of sweet potato pancakes.

If lunch is more your style, you cannot go wrong with the Farm Fresh Vegetable Plate. Pick 4 sides of your choosing (must trys include the mac and cheese and creamy tomato soup).

• Location: 1 N Main St Ste T, Greenville, SC 29601
• My full review of Tupelo

9. Roman’s Deli

HIghlight: Homemade soups and sandwiches

Why It’s Great: Affordable combo deals & half size specials

Roman’s is a wonderful locally owned cafe located in downtown Asheville. Everything is made from scratch in-house using locally sourced ingredients when possible. It’s the best place in town for a fresh soup, sandwich, or deli sides. So comforting on a chilly fall or cold winter’s day. Lots of great vegetarian choices including a Garden Veggie Sandwich, Impossible Burger, and Tomato Vegetable soup. All sandwiches available half size at a cheaper price point and come with a pickle and side. The pasta and potato salad are both awesome.

• Location: 75 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801
• My full review of Roman’s

10. Moose Cafe

Highlight: Rustic southern ambiance

Why It’s Great: Features the best all-you-can-eat breakfast special in town

The Moose Cafe is the place to go if you are seeking a traditional Southern country style restaurant. Think Cracker Barrel. The ambiance is cozy and casual- perfect for anyone seeking a laid-back dining experience. The big draw here is an all-you-can-eat breakfast deal. For just 10 bucks, you can feast on as many eggs, potatoes, and biscuits as you want. The cute rustic decor and Southern hospitality make this one stand out a bit from the rest of the more sophisticated foodie style establishments in the city.

The cafe is located next to the Western North Carolina farmer’s market which you should definitely swing by before or after your meal. The food is made fresh on-site using local ingredients from the market. If you love Southern style fare (and lots of it), you will love the Moose Cafe. Bonus: there is a cute gift shop on-site specializing in Southern style decor.

• Location: 570 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
• My full review of the Moose Cafe

11. Jerusalem Garden Cafe

Highlight: Delicious Mediterranean fare

Why It’s Great: Lots of affordable combination plates

Jerusalem Garden Cafe is a wonderful low-key option. It is located right amongst all the action downtown but often passed over in favor of more popular tourist destinations. The food is fantastic, especially if you like Mediterranean cuisine. Lots of healthy choices, including many vegetarian apps and entrees. The dining space is colorful and eclectic, giving you something to look at as you enjoy good food. My pick? The Vegetarian Platter featuring hummus, grape leaves, babaganoush, grape leaves, tahini salad, tabouleh, falafel, olives, and pita.

• Location: 78 Patton Ave
• My full review of Jerusalem cafe

12. Apollo Flame Bistro

Why It’s Great: Affordable pricing & huge servings!

Apollo Flame is the place to go for Mediterranean fare in Asheville. Although the menu does not look like much, the food here is absolutely fantastic! I had one of the best pitas ever at this local gem. The Greek salads alone make this place worthy of a visit. Also keep and eye out for their daily specials. Do order the Baked Spaghetti, if available! And, if you have room left over (not likely!), treat yourself to an authentic Greek dessert!

The menu is diverse with a mix of Greek and Italian fare. Unfortunately, there are no traditional Greek favorites like spanakopitas on the lineup, however, still plenty of enticing choices. The decor is a bit limited, however, the space is clean and the ambiance and service are both very welcoming. Apollo is a great local family-run restaurant away from all the crazy downtown crowds!

• Location: 1025 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
• My full review of Apollo Flame